Science Education Program
BECOMING A SCIENCE TEACHER:
Undergraduate Majors in the
Natural Sciences
Science Education Program
Presentation Contents
• California Science Credential Requirements
– Subject Matter Competency, Science Credential Options
• Undergraduate Degrees in the Natural Sciences
– Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Geological Sciences, Physics
– Minor in Natural Science
• Your Next Steps
– Plan for College, Learn about CSUF, Prepare to be a Science
Major, Prepare to be a Science Teacher
• Additional Resources
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Science Education Program
CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CREDENTIAL
REQUIREMENTS
•
To earn a secondary science teaching credential, candidates must
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The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorizes nine
different science credentials for teaching in grades 7-12.
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demonstrate subject matter competency and
complete a program of professional preparation.
Each credential requires demonstration of subject matter competence through
completion of specific undergraduate or graduate degrees OR successful passage of
several subtests of the California Science Examination for Teachers (CSET) in
Science.
Candidates with a regular credential in a science area are authorized to teach in their specific
discipline as well as general and integrated science, including middle school science.
Candidates with a Specialized credential in a science area are authorized to teach only in
their specific discipline.
The most common route to subject matter competency is a major in a
specific discipline and passage of the appropriate CSETs.
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Majors and Minors in Science Presentation
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Science Education Program
Undergraduate Degrees
in the Natural Sciences
College of Natural Sciences and
Mathematics
California State University Fullerton
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Science Education Program
College of Natural
Sciences
and Mathematics
• Includes close to 100 full-time faculty members
• Supports1,400 students majoring in NSM programs
• Each year, graduates about 350 students with baccalaureate
degrees and 50 students with master's degrees, who find
employment in neighboring communities and provide
tremendous resources for Orange County and beyond
• Each year, certifies more than 25 secondary science teachers
and prepares over 300 multiple subject candidates in science
content through specially designed courses for future
elementary teachers
Majoring in the Natural Sciences
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Science Education Program
Typical Undergraduate Student
• The average California State University
Fullerton student:
– Is 23.7 years old
– Works more than 20 hours per week
– Takes about 11 units per semester
– Completes a bachelor's degree in 6+ years
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Science Education Program
BIOLOGICAL
SCIENCE
•
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biological Science
– Is designed for students who wish to enter graduate or health professional schools, enter
the teacher credential program, teach, or seek careers in business, industry or
government.
– Includes core courses and electives from areas such as molecular and microbial biology,
cell and developmental biology, immunology, animal and plant physiology, evolutionary
biology, and desert and marine ecology.
– Includes on-campus facilities such as computer labs, aquarium rooms, constant
temperature rooms, animal rooms, photographic darkrooms, plant and animal reference
collections, and scanning and transmission electron microscopes, greenhouse facilities and
the 26-acre Fullerton Arboretum.
– Includes off-campus facilities such as the Field Station of the Desert Studies Consortium
in the Mojave Desert, the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in the Laguna Mountains, and the 85foot oceanographic vessel, Yellowfin, of the Southern California Marine Institute, moored
at Terminal Island.
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Science Education Program
BIOLOGICAL
SCIENCE
•
Upper Division Areas of Concentration
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Biodiversity, Ecology, and Conservation Biology - study of biological organisms, their
responses to environment on evolutionary and ecological time scales, and conservation.
Biology Pedagogy - How do students learn about biology? This is a fascinating question that
involves the integration of psychology, education, as well as biological knowledge. Faculty in
this area work at the interface of biology and pedagogy and their graduate students are broadly
trained in teaching and research processes to go on to Ph.D. programs or careers as
community college or K12 teachers.
Cell and Developmental Biology - study of the structural and functional dynamics of cells as
they apply to the specialized fields of immunology, microbiology, neurobiology, physiology, and
developmental biology.
Marine Biology - study of marine organisms and their coastal and oceanic habitats and
conservation, environmental and evolutionary issues related to these organisms and their
habitats.
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - study of genetics, molecular biology, and
biotechnology and their applications to medicine, agriculture and the environment.
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Science Education Program
Undergraduate Research
Opportunities in Biology
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Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) - The MARC training program offers
an extraordinary opportunity for minority students seeking careers in biomedical
research. The goals of the program are to provide first-rate research training of
undergraduate participants, to place undergraduates into respected graduate
programs and ensure their success in those programs.
Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Program
(MHIRT) - MHIRT students travel with their CSU faculty mentor to a foreign site and
spend ten weeks conducting research in the laboratory of a foreign research advisor.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Research Scholars ProgramSupported by the HHMI, this provides support for CSUF and community college
undergraduates, as well as some cohorts of high school teachers and their students
with research experiences, to promote interest in biomedical research careers.
Southern California Ecosystems Research Program (SCERP) - SCERP provides
research opportunities, funding for travel, and career planning for undergraduates
interested in ecology and environmental biology.
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Science Education Program
CHEMISTRY AND
BIOCHEMISTRY
• Degree Options
– Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – for students who intend to become
practicing laboratory chemists,
– Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry – for students who want to enter
the health professions, biochemistry, pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry, or
biotechnology
– Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry – for students who wish to use chemistry in
careers that include sales, marketing or management in a chemistry-related industry;
forensics; patent law; technical writing; art conservation; and high school teaching
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Science Education Program
CHEMISTRY AND
BIOCHEMISTRY
• Emphases
– Environmental Chemistry – for students who are interested in careers
relating to research or work dealing with air and water chemistry, hazardous materials,
as well as the toxicology of environmental pollutants from industry and agriculture and
their remediation.
– Biotechnology – for students wanting to work in pharmaceutical and related
industries or who want to enter the health professions, biochemistry, pharmaceutical or
medicinal chemistry, or fields using biotechnology
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Science Education Program
Undergraduate Research
Opportunities in Chemistry
•
Research for Undergraduate Degrees - All undergraduates are required to perform significant
research to obtain their bachelor’s degrees in chemistry or biochemistry.
•
Summer Research Experiences for undergraduates (REU) - The National Science
Foundation supports a ten-week summer undergraduate research program at CSUF, to provide chemistry and
biochemistry research experience and encourage students to pursue research careers in chemistry and
biochemistry.
•
Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) - This program offers an extraordinary
opportunity for minority students seeking careers in biomedical research, the goals being to provide first-rate
research training of undergraduates, their placement into respected graduate programs and ensuring their success
in those programs.
•
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Research Scholars Program- Supported
by the HHMI, this provides support for CSUF and community college undergraduates, as well as some cohorts of
high school teachers and their students with research experiences, to promote interest in biomedical research
careers.
•
Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Program
(MHIRT) - MHIRT students travel with CSU faculty mentor to a foreign site and spend ten weeks conducting
research in the laboratory of a foreign research advisor.
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Science Education Program
Health Professions Resources
• Health Professions Advisement Office
– University Hall 223, (714)278-3980
– Advisement for careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry, physician
assistant, pharmacy and other related fields
– Assistance with applications to health professions programs
• Article: Health Professions Trains Future Medical Pros
– www.fullerton.edu/50/titan_pride/programs/
• Organization: Student Health Professions Association
(SHPA)
– nsm.fullerton.edu/shpa/php_advising_office.htm
Majoring in the atural Sciences
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Science Education Program
GEOLOGICAL
SCIENCES
Geology is the study of the Earth, its physical nature, chemical
composition and dynamics of the earth. In addition to understanding
the way the earth works and its relationship to the solar system,
geological scientists search for energy, mineral and water
resources, evaluate and mitigate man-made environmental
hazards, and evaluate hazards from natural disasters such as
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, coastal erosion and floods.
Degree Options
•Bachelor of Science in Geology
•Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science
•Minor in Geology
Be a Science Teacher Presentation
Career Options Include
•Environmental Consulting
•Geotechnical Engineering
•Water Resource Management
•Petroleum
•Mining & Mineral Exploration
•K-12 Teaching And many more!
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Science Education Program
Summer Internships in Geology
Internships are designed to educate CSUF geology majors about career options in the
geological sciences. Eligibility requirements are such that most geology majors will be
eligible at the end of their sophomore year. Interns are paid by the employer and do
not receive course credit. Interns are awarded a $1,000 scholarship upon the
successful completion of the summer internship. Internship organizations include the
following:
•Brown and Caldwell - environmental engineering and consulting firm
•Geosyntec- specialized consulting and engineering firm
•GEOVision - high-quality geophysical data acquisition, analysis, and imaging
services
•The Reynolds Group - environmental consulting company
•Worley Parsons - engineering firm serving hydrocarbons, power, infrastructure, and
minerals & metals sectors
•Rock Springs Mineral Processing - bentonite mining and distribution company
•And More!
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Science Education Program
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All Geology Majors complete an
Undergraduate Thesis - an original
research project under the direct
supervision of a faculty member
Theses frequently involve field-based
research, although many students
also pursue theoretical projects
Many theses are published in major
research journals, and some have
even developed into graduate (MS or
PhD) theses
Pedagogical research theses are
welcome!
Geology Undergraduate
Research Opportunities
Science Education Program
What is Geology Field Camp?
• A long-standing tradition in the education of a
geologist.
• 5-week long field-intensive mapping course
• Synthesis of classroom, laboratory, and fieldbased training to solving a variety of complex
geological problems in the field
• Geology students develop and refine many
skills that are necessary for future employment
including:
• Collecting geologic data in the field
• Interpreting important geologic structures
• Performing geologic mapping and geologic report
writing in an accurate, professional, and timely
manner
Science Education Program
Getting there is only part of the fun!
Dillon, MT
Yellowstone NP
Bryce and Zion NP
Fullerton, CA
Road Log
Science Education Program
PHYSICS
• Degree Options
– Bachelor of Science in Physics excellent preparation either for graduate study
in physics and related areas, or for entry-level
positions in industry or government.
– BS Physics with Business
Emphasis - provides training in
entrepreneurship to undergraduate physics
majors
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Science Education Program
Dan Black Program
in Physics & Business
• Special emphasis provides undergraduate physics majors with
training and experience needed to succeed in today's world of hightechnology business.
• Coursework sequence includes core physics courses and
accounting, finance, marketing, management, and business
communication.
• Students in capstone course develop plans to start new business
and are guided through this process by a program advisory board
that includes business leaders and entrepreneurs from southern
California's “Tech Coast.”
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Science Education Program
Dr. Robert W. Kedzie Memorial
Tutorial Center
The Physics Department at California
State University, Fullerton operates a
tutorial center that is open to all
students enrolled in any physics
course offered by the department.
The center is located in McCarthy
Hall (MH-600). It is staffed by faculty
members and volunteers beginning
with the second week of classes each
semester.
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Science Education Program
MINOR IN
NATURAL SCIENCE
• CSUF offers a Minor in Natural Sciences that should be considered
by all prospective elementary teachers as well as potential middle
school science teachers.
• By completing the minor, future teachers:
– Gain additional preparation in science content areas;
– Learn about important and current concepts and issues in science; and
– Prepare for teaching earth, life, and physical science in middle schools.
• The minor readily combines with any major when the student
carefully selects the appropriate lower division general education
classes. Assuming efficient lower division GE science selections,
the minor may require only 9-11 units of additional coursework.
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Natural Sciences Minor Requirements
Lower Division Courses
Upper Division Courses
Take at least 3 units from each group
for a total of 9-11 units
Must have an * course from Life
Science and a second one from either
Physical Sciences or
Earth/Astronomical Sciences.
12 Units Total: At least 2 units from three
course groups: Teacher Education Core,
Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics.
Natural Sciences Minor advisor must
approve course election.
Life Science
3 Units Minimum
Biology 101, 101L*, 102 or
equivalent
Teacher Education Core Courses
Group 1
Biology 453, Geology 410
Earth/Astronomical Sciences
3 Units Minimum
Geology 101, 101L*, 102*, or
equivalent.
Physics 120
Biological Science Courses
Group 2
Biology 300, 305, 306, 310, 311, 318,
319, 330, 352, 360, 409, 453
Physical Sciences
3 Units Minimum
Chemistry 100, 100L*, 105, 111, 115 or
120A*, 120B*,
Physics/Chem 102*
Physics 101, 101L*, 115, 211*, 212*
Chemistry/Biochemistry Courses
Chemistry 303 A, B, C, 311, and 313 A,
B, C
Geological Sciences Courses
Geology 310T, 410, 420
See www.assist.org to identify community
Majoring
in the
Sciencescourses that
college
andNatural
lower division
articulate with Cal State Fullerton courses.
Physics Courses
Physics 301
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Science Education Program
Natural Sciences Minor as a Stepping
Stone to Middle School Science
There are two credential pathways to middle school science teaching:
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Candidates may earn a Multiple Subject Credential and add the Foundational
Level General Science Credential by passage of #118 and #119 CSET Subtests AND
successful completion of EDSC 542S Advanced Methods of Teaching Middle School
Science (offered each summer)
Candidates earn a Single Subject Credential in Foundational Level General Science
by completing the single subject credential program.
The Minor in Natural Sciences helps prepare candidates for CSET subtests:
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#118 Subtest I General Science: Astronomy; Dynamic Processes of the Earth; Earth
Resources; Waves; Forces and Motion; Electricity and Magnetism
#119 Subtest II General Science: Ecology; Genetics and Evolution; Molecular
Biology and Biochemistry; Cell and Organismal Biology; Heat Transfer and
Thermodynamics; Structure/Properties of Matter
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Science Education Program
Special Information and Support for
Community College Transfer Students
• University Resources
– Information for Transfer Students
www.fullerton.edu/explore/transfer/index.htm
– Mandatory Orientation for Transfer Students
www.fullerton.edu/orientation/
• Center for Careers in Teaching Resources
– Community College Student Information
www.fullerton.edu/cct/CC/ccindex.htm
• College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
– Each department provides one-on-one advisement for transfer
students.
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Science Education Program
Your Next Steps:
Plan for College
• Create an account at
www.csumentor.org and
complete the High School
Planner
• View timeline of preparation
(by grade level) at
www.fullerton.edu/explore/fres
hmen/12thgrade.htm
• Meet admission requirements
www.fullerton.edu/explore/fres
hmen/qualify.htm
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Science Education Program
Your Next Steps:
Learn About CSUF
• Return for a campus tour – register at
www.fullerton.edu/deanofstudents/nsp/tourscontent.htm
• Visit the Student Information and Referral Center (SIRC) University Hall 178 - (714) 278-2501
• Learn more about Cal State Fullerton at our Website:
www.fullerton.edu/prospective.htm
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Science Education Program
Your Next Steps:
Prepare to be a Science Major
• Review the View Sheet for your major (you may also download
these at www.fullerton.edu/explore/freshmen/majors.htm).
• Make an appointment to tour the department facilities and receive
early advisement:
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Biological Sciences – 714-278-3614
Chemistry/Biochemistry – 714-278-3621
Geological Sciences – 714-278-3882
Physics – 714-278-3366
• Be a successful science student!
– Find resources for time management at http://nsm.fullerton.edu/25-35.asp.
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Science Education Program
Your Next Steps:
Prepare to be a Science Teacher
• Complete your undergraduate degree in a science field.
• Visit the Center for Careers in Teaching – see www.fullerton.edu/cct
• Attend a Single Subject Credential Program overview – the
schedule is found at http://ed.fullerton.edu/adtep/SingleSubject.htm
• Keep informed about science education opportunities by joining our
Science Education Electronic Network
http://nsmlist.fullerton.edu/wa.exe?A0=SCINET
• Stay involved in teaching by volunteering at your local schools!
• Join your national organization (see following slides) and the
California Science Teachers Association (see www.cascience.org)
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Science Education Program
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
• Education and Teacher Resources
Website
• Why Earth Science brochure
• Nature of Science and Scientific Method
• Understanding Climate Change
presentations and videos
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Science Education Program
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
• Resources for Teaching
and Learning
• The Butterfly Project
• Actionbioscience.org
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Science Education Program
More Resources for
Biology/Life Science Teachers
• American Society for Cell Biology
BioEducate Resources
http://bioeducate.ascb.org/
• Society for Neuroscience
• Neuroscience Education Resources Virtual
Encyclopedia (NERVE) for the K-12 Teacher
www.ndgo.net/sfn/nerve/
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Science Education Program
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
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Website for Educators and Students
Curriculum Materials
Student Activities
ACS High School Student Clubs
– Your Virtual Chemistry Club
• Public Service Announcement
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Science Education Program
AMERICAN PHYSICS SOCIETY
• Website for Students and
Educators
• Color Me Physics Coloring Book
• Physics to Go
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Science Education Program
CSTA
www.cascience.org
• CSTA represents science educators statewide—in
every science discipline at every grade level,
Kindergarten through University.
• CSTA demonstrates leadership in science education in
the state by organizing and participating in statewide
reform initiatives, and provides leadership opportunities
for members who wish to serve on state advisory
committees, including framework, standards, and
textbook committees.
• CSTA works to ensure that the interests of science
educators are represented at the state level, with
legislators and state education policy-makers
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Science Education Program
NSTA
www.nsta.org
NSTA’s Guiding Principles
• Model excellence;
• Champion science literacy;
• Value scientific excellence;
• Embrace diversity, equity, and respect;
• Enhance teaching and learning through research;
• Collaborate with partners; and
• Exemplify a dynamic professional organization.
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), founded in 1944 and headquartered
in Arlington, Virginia, is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting
excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's membership of
60,000 includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists,
business and industry representatives, and others involved in and committed to science
education.
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Science Education Program
NSTA CAREER CENTER
• There are many things you can do to prepare for a career as a
science teacher before you enter the classroom. Whether you
are still a student or you are an adult seeking to enter the
field, now is the time for you to begin building skills related to
teaching, management, and organization.
• See suggestions and resources at:
http://careers.nsta.org/advice_planning.asp
Science Education Program
ADVISEMENT RESOURCES
• Center for Careers in Teaching
www.fullerton.edu/cct/
• Science Education Programs
http://nsm.fullerton.edu/scied
• Science Education Office
McCarthy Hall 527, 714-278-2703
• Science Education Program Director
Dr. Vikki Costa (vcosta@fullerton.edu )
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Science Education Program
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
•
Why Teach?
– http://www.recruitingteachers.org/channels/clearinghouse/whyteach/default1.htm
•
I love Teaching
– http://www.iloveteaching.com - designed to encourage new teachers
•
New Teacher.com
– http://www.new-teacher.com -designed to inspire those considering teaching).
•
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Information on Teaching
– http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm - the site offers extensive information on the
nature of teaching, the employment picture, working conditions, and the job outlook
•
Career Planning for Teachers
– http://careerplanning.about.com/library/weekly/aa030901d.htm - describes the nature
of teaching
•
Status of the American Public School Teacher
– http://www.nea.org/edstats/images/status.pdf - snapshot of the profession today in a
historical perspective